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Created in
1997, the Teleparc Program has proved to be a useful and innovative
tool in
enhancing the department of Gers' participation in the field of
Geomatics. Initiated by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of
Gers, the goal was to create one of the first Geomatics centres in
France specifically located in the department of Gers (one of the most
agriculturally dominated areas of France).

Teleparc is
a European Community Innovation Program which seeks to address the
question
"how can information technology help rural communities overcome their
challenges?" Some of those challenges include geography,
desertification, emigration, inertia, and stagnation. Proposed
solutions to these problems include the consideration of territory as a
capital
investment, the mobilization of key players, as well as the use of new
technologies to enrich the regional image (making it a more attractive
place to
live and work).

In principal the Teleparc Program is characterized by three
principal actions:

1.
Conducting Research & Development and Participating in European
Projects

2.
Offering & Promoting Initial and Continuing Education

3.
Providing an Incubator and Business Service Centre

The
Teleparc action plan (1997) can be easily summed-up in the table below:

Objectives

Strategies

Key
Actions

Facilitate the arrival of new residents

Create multimedia content

Make content available via new technologies (the Web)

SOHO-SOLO projectGeomatics Strategy

Increase Employment

Information system technology training for all
industry sectors

TelecentresGeomatics Strategy

Encourage
Economical Development

Encourage growth and modernity in rural areas

PYRED ProjectGeomatics PlatformGeomatics Strategy

Provide
services to aid the local community

Develop local consensus and village involvement

Develop local tele-services
(ADSL available to all)

Each objective listed above was (in 1997) and is (today) being
continually pursued through its defined strategies. Over the years
however, the key actions implemented have morphed and changed.

In the past
11 years Teleparc, in conjunction with the CCI of Gers and the CEEI
Gers Gascogne, has successfully created, maintained, and evolved the
European Geomatics Centre (EGC) of Gers. This centre is currently home
to six
businesses and five projects. As well, the EGC of Gers, in conjunction
with the CCI of Gers, has
overseen the completion of eight projects since its creation.